Live Archives - Page 23 of 24

DJ Format In The Tunnels Mix

Nov 012013

This is only the second time I’ve ever watched a DJ gig, and the first time I’ve critiqued one. This time at least DJ Format turned up punctually unlike my recollection of a late DJ Yoda many moons ago. Andrew Watson reviews this late-night Tunnels show from 27 October.

Warming up was a local DJ, Mike emblazoned on the back of his shirt. There were, as predominates in hip-hop, James Brown samples galore, and even some Gil Scott Heron. The seguing of songs was almost seamless, and the eclectic mix of tribal/world music tested and pleased the ear.

At first I was rather confused, as there were two guys behind Mike, the stage partially belonging to two randoms and a performer.

It wasn’t until about an hour into the set that it became apparent that DJ Format was waiting in the wings for the support slot to end.

He urged those sitting beyond the stairs leading down to the dance floor to come forward.

Personally, I was rewarded for my compliance with a spin of a somewhat modulated version of Eazy-er Said Than Dunn by Eazy-E. More often, though, it was a case of turning to my friend to ask whose song the Southampton DJ was playing.

Though not necessarily a bad thing, sometimes his ear for nearly-inaccessible, ear-to-the-underground samples alienated me. On the other hand, lack of familiarity with the material played wasn’t a pre-requisite to enjoying the show.

Things picked up, however, when he blasted a piano-driven instrumental of Sam and Dave’s Hold On, I’m Comin’. The pricking of interest amongst those on the dance floor was palpable.

DJ Format, real name Matt Ford, was a canny man demonstrated by his chopping and changing of samples to run with whatever music he was playing alongside. For example, I recognised a guitar lick belonging to another song that I had in mind. He eventually played that song after permuting it for other purposes.

My only criticism would be that when he did eventually play Wrath of Kane by Big Daddy Kane he cut it too soon, leaving out the best verse, but one of the strengths of music is its occasional unpredictability, going in direction other than anticipated.

Arguably, one of the strongest draws were his connections to Los Angeles collective Jurassic 5. He was their bus driver, before later finding acclaim and opening for DJ Shadow.

Work done with the former was showcased, shifting emphasis and giving him ample room to display his renowned scratching technique.

Performance-wise, the only blip of the night was a skipping record. He launched it into the crowd and my friend got him to autograph it at the end of the show.

This was an exhausting gig, given the 2300 Sunday start time, and it was a tad pricey at £10. There was some break-dancing to entertain those in the crowd keener to keep their feet together and just watch.

Musings Of A Newish Music Photographer No.2

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion 7 Responses »

Oct 232013

Julie Thompson shares her experience as a fledgling music photographer, and a few of her pictures from Catfish & The Bottlemen, Café Drummond, 11th October 2013, and Grzegorz Kupczyk’s CETI album launch, Lemon Tree, 12th October 2013.

Looking back over the last two nights of shooting, I find myself reflecting on the contrast between the venues.
I found Café Drummond, admittedly a small venue, to be frustrating in the extreme whereas The Lemon Tree was much more fun.

Why? It was all down to the lighting.

Lighting is a major factor in live music photography; dim lighting can mean you come away with nothing apart from noisy, poor resolution images. Picking through your images from the evening afterwards can be soul destroying.

If you do find any that look half ok, you zoom in to check focus and their eyes are so dilated they look like they’ve been taking something very interesting indeed. Welcome to Café Drummond – the home of ‘high ISO hell’ (as a fellow photographer put it).

The light in Drummonds was so dim that even lenses designed to work in low light were having trouble finding a focus. Orange backlights and few front spots meant that the backs of the band were brighter than their fronts; tricky to deal with because it’s the faces you’re interested in.

Café Drummond doesn’t have a photo pit or the 3 song limit. You’re in amongst the crowd, trying to keep out of the way of dancers & beer. You also have the hazard of people wanting you to take their photos as they mug for the camera.

Between sets I was approached by a girl who was interested in what camera I was using.

We chatted briefly, culminating in getting out my phone and showing her some of my more recent flickr images. She got excited over the Johnny Marr photos from last week, made a mental note of my flickr name and then went back to her friends.

Two more frustrating sets later, I head home.

On later perusal, I have a few images that look ok, but they’re not images I will treasure and I mentally cross this venue off my list of places to shoot again.

On a plus note I seem to have acquired a new flickr follower.

How were the bands?

Well, because I was shooting the complete sets, I suffered from what I call ‘concentration deafness’. I certainly wasn’t standing there wishing my earplugs were stronger though. I do remember thinking that some of them didn’t look old enough to be in a pub, but I think that’s more an issue of my age than theirs.

The support acts – Redfoot the Fence and Velvet Audio – were well received and enjoyable to listen to. As for the headline act – Catfish & The Bottlemen – they were pretty tight and well-rehearsed.

They did seem to be struggling with their sound at one point, as the lead singer kept asking for volume increase.

As it turned out, he was getting a hum through his floor monitor so he couldn’t actually hear what they were doing.

They were plenty loud enough for those of us in front of them and the crowd was rocking.

I would go to see them again and hope (on a purely selfish note) that if they return to Aberdeen, their next venue is better for shooting.

The following evening I was expecting a much better experience. I’ve shot at the Lemon Tree before and, though the lighting can be variable, it is usually an order of magnitude brighter than what I’d just experienced.

There is a good sized photo pit here, and they generally enforce the 3 song limit.

There were three of us in the pit for the first band – Bisongrass – and we were treated to an energetic performance from their lead singer, who spent a lot of time hanging from the light fixtures at the front of the stage and clambering around in the pit.

Some bands can be fun to shoot and some can be so static that it is difficult to get an interesting shot of them. Metal bands are rarely boring to shoot, which means I’m in for a great evening.

Between sets, I discover a few acquaintances dotted around and kill some time chatting. Back at the pit, there is a small altercation going on; some more photographers have arrived unexpectedly and one of the first photographers is unhappy that the pit will contain more people for the next sets.

This issue is resolved by staggering the group into two sessions, although the pit is certainly big enough for 5 people in one go.

Next up is Thrashist Regime.

Before we go into the pit, I chat to another photographer who has shot them before.
He warns me that the lead singer has a habit of disappearing into the crowd with his radio mic, sometimes even into the street outside.

Sure enough, he’s over the pit wall and off into the crowd. The band is a fun shoot with lots of crowd interaction.

At one point the singer jumps into the pit next to me, startling both of us as I don’t think he’d noticed me there.

I get given a microphone to yell into (I declined to comment) at which he laughed and moved on to a more willing participant.

Once more out of the pit and watching the rest of the set from behind the rail, I’m left roaring with laughter as a gentle ballad to an explosive event a few years back in Auchenblae is announced and then thrash metalled out.

Finally the headline act arrives onstage.

Grzegorz Kupczyk’s CETI are a well-known Polish
old-school heavy rock band that have recently signed
with Fat Hippy Records and are tonight launching their
new album, ‘Ghost Of The Universe Behind The Black Curtain’.

With a fairly large Polish community in Aberdeen, they attract many tonight who are familiar with their work.

Unusually, the most flamboyant band member on stage
is the Bass guitarist. Later on he performed a fascinating solo, something not normally seen these days.

It is obvious from watching, that they are familiar with performing to a larger crowd than they had tonight; audience interaction is constantly sought.

Indeed some of their gigs in Poland include festivals attracting 20,000 people. They are known as the ‘Polish Iron Maiden’; not a bad description.

They were a joy to shoot and fun to watch. Despite the language barrier I found them entertaining; some of the largest laughs on my part were purely from body language and one occasion where Grzegorz asked, ‘How are you doing Aberdeen?’ to which a lone Aberdonian voice replied ‘Not so bad’.

More photos:

Redfoot the Fence: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157636600131244/
Velvet Audio: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157636469947603/
Catfish & The Bottlemen: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157636599729676/
Bisongrass: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157636517473364/
Thrashist Regime: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157636595480775/
CETI: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157636481781833/

Jablonski And The Electric Band: Album Launch Review

Aberdeen City, Featured, Opinion No Responses »

Sep 272013

Aberdeen’s undisputed Ambassadors of Blues Gerry Jablonski and the Electric Band excel themselves with a standard-setting live show and new album ‘Twist of Fate’ that deserves wide acclaim. Suzanne Kelly reviews.

Gerry Jablonski and the Electric Band would have been my first port of call musically if I were in charge of Aberdeen’s City of Culture Bid.
This is Aberdeen’s longest serving and most talented blues/rock outfit.
Years of hard work, dedication and progress have turned out a diverse, blues-infused album with an individualistic sound.

Jablonski and the Electric band are the kind of journeymen that make going to see live music the pleasure it should be, a good antidote to manufactured bands and reliance on costume changes for audience captivation.

Several hundred other people agreed with me; a hugely enthusiastic crowd enjoyed the band’s high octane set at the Lemon Tree on Friday 20th September where the new material was given the enthused reception it deserves.

The opening acts were Hell house and The Ruckus which at different points evoked Paul Rogers & Bad Company to AC/DC with a strong finale number ‘Nothing to Lose.’

From his acoustic blues days through Cloth Monkey, from the powerful Union Terrace Gardens Jubilee party to the present, Jablonski has grown into a seasoned, entertaining front man. The Lemon Tree saw him and the band giving it their all. Jablonski started the set on his own with an instrumental which invoked The Rolling Stones ‘Hipshake.’

As the band joined him on ‘Sherry Dee’ I was momentarily distracted by some of the crowd; I wondered why people come to see live music if they’re going to talk (if not shout) above it and spent their night taking selfies. But everyone was soon totally caught up in the set, and wouldn’t have noticed if the place had crumbled around us.

It can be hard to balance real, raw blues against the desire to put out a neat, tight, clean set, but they walk that line. They are clearly tightly rehearsed without losing any of the fresh feel their material demands live.

For me two of the (many) highlights were the very powerful ‘Black Rain’ and ‘Preacher’, from the new album (then again there was also some delicious slide guitar). You would be justified in buying the album for ‘Preacher’ alone; a dark, heavy track reminiscent of Clapton/Cream, with a twist.

The lyrics deserve more attention than I’ve been able to give them so far, but the title track ‘Twist of Fate’ a slower, beautiful bit of blues is poignant.

What ‘Twist of Fate’ is about is explained on the album notes:-

“During the recording, our drummer and friend has been battling his illness, hence the title of this album. Music is a great healer and a magical force, but it should never be above family and friends and those you love.”

The press release promised:

“There is real passion and pain on this album and it takes the band and their electric music to a whole new level.”

The promise was kept.

Gerry kept referencing the importance of his wife and family to him during the set, and how important the families of the bands are to the whole. This support is clearly crucial, with drummer Dave Innes receiving treatment for cancer. Not that you would have had any clue of this on the night; he was a smiling, powerful force. It would be remiss not to credit the harmonica work from Peter; a perfect foil for Gerry’s solos.

It was over an hour into the set, and I was wondering how many more songs they would be able to get through without all of them tiring – the drumming was impeccable, the base understated, elegant and reliable – as it’s supposed to be. Jablonski’s vocals are getting better and deeper all the time; but it has always been the amazing fills and solos that I find compelling.

There was some slowed-down traditional blues towards the end, but the way Jablonski plays deserves more attention than it’s had to date. The bass player is not to be overlooked – you can’t do anything like this without a solid bass. The set flew past; the title track from ‘Twist of Fate’ came close to the end. The set’s ended, but things are just beginning for JG and the Electric Band.

‘Twist of Fate’ is available on Fat Hippy Records and at all good record shops. www.fathippyrecords.couk

More photos of the band from the Lemon Tree by Julie Thompson can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ladypakal/sets/72157635732346123/

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RM Hubbert And Craig B – Tunnels 28.09.13

Aberdeen City, Featured, Gigs and Concerts No Responses »

Sep 102013

The Local and Chemikal Underground Records are pleased to announce an extensive RM Hubbert UK tour to celebrate both his winning the Scottish Album of the Year Award with Thirteen Lost & Found, and the imminent release of his follow up album. The tour includes a date at The Tunnels on Saturday 28 September.

Hubby has released two albums to date, First & Last (Chemikal Underground), nine solo instrumental guitar pieces heavily influenced by flamenco rhythms and techniques. First & Last was written to help Hubby deal with the death of his parents and return of chronic depression. It’s not as depressing as that sounds.

Thirteen Lost & Found (Chemikal Underground) allowed Hubby to reconnect with old friends with whom he’d lost touch for ten years.

It features collaborations with talented Scottish musicians including Aidan Moffat (Arab Strap), Emma Pollock (The Delgados) Alasdair Roberts, Luke Sutherland (Long Fin Killie, Mogwai) and Hanna Tuulikki (Nalle, Two Wings).

Hubby’s long-time collaborator and friend, Alex Kapranos (Franz Ferdinand) produced.

More details are awaited on his third Chemikal Underground album due for release on 27 September, comprising five instrumental guitar pieces and five songs exploring the idea of letting go, moving on and acceptance.

A prolific live artist, Hubby has toured extensively over the last three years, headlining and supporting, among others, Mogwai, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, The Twilight Sad, Franz Ferdinand and Bill Wells & Aidan Moffat, King Creosote.

On 7 March 2004, Craig B played a solo show for IMP at Drakes.

It’s still talked about today so it’s exciting news that he will be Hubby’s support.

In February 2010, from the ashes of Aereogramme, The Unwinding Hours emerged, with the release of their debut album, almost exactly three years to the day of the release of Aereogramme’s My Heart Has A Wish That You Would Not Go.

It was, unsurprisingly, brilliant. Reinvigorated and afforded the time necessary to create an album with which they were happy, Craig B and Iain Cook delivered a collection of songs as emotional, dynamic and intelligent as anything Aereogramme produced at their very best. Their second album Afterlives was released in August 2012.

28 September
The Tunnels
Doors 1930

Advance Tickets £8 plus booking fee. £10 on door
http://www.wegottickets.com/event/230364

www.chemikal.co.uk
www.rmhubbert.com
http://www.facebook.com/interestingmusicpromotions

45p Per Musician – But A Wealth Of Talent

Aberdeen City, Events No Responses »

Jun 142013

Thursday June 20th sees the joining on stage of two of Scotland’s best acts! With thanks to Ruth Sawers.

Finding Albert, crowned 2012 best new Scottish band at the Scottish variety award, and last year’s runner up Amy Sawers will be appearing at Aberdeen’s exciting new venue, Downstairs, where the ethos is all about quality entertainment at an affordable price.

With support from the very talented Craig John Davidson this night is a special treat for Aberdeen’s live music lovers, and an admission charge of £5 – a mere 45p per musician – makes this an event not to be missed.

Finding Albert

In April 2012, Scottish 5-piece Finding Albert released their ‘Life & Times’ EP as a follow-up to their self-titled debut album released six-months earlier.

Even before release, the EP was already turning heads – recorded and produced entirely within the band, a process critical to their style and development (with assistance from Calvin Harris), before being mastered at Abbey Road Studios in London.

It rounded off a fantastic year for Finding Albert, which saw them grow out of obscurity to become regular festival performers, enjoying frequent radio play, and playing alongside some of the UK’s biggest acts.

A band that believes passionately in the translation from recording to live, they are known for their high-energy performances, whilst still retaining the musicianship and delicate (and frequently orchestral) arrangements that have won them so many followers.

The band won the coveted Herald/Clyde1’s ‘Best New Scottish Act’ at the Scottish Variety Awards in March 2013. In the same month, Finding Albert released their long-awaited second album “feints” – which they consider their best creative achievement to date. The band is currently touring the UK and Europe.

“If there’s any justice, this band will be selling out stadiums next year.”- A McCrae, BBC Radio1

“Destined for greatness…may just be Scotland’s best kept secret, but not for long.” – J Gellatly, The Sun

Amy Sawers

Recent recording at the Diving Bell Lounge, Glasgow (Snow Patrol, Frightened Rabbit) has borne fruit in the guise of ‘Laburnum‘, which Amy will shortly be touring.

Named runner up in Herald/Clyde1’s ‘Best New Scottish Act’ at the Scottish Variety Awards in March, things have been busy for this Amy and her band.

The early days saw Amy recording with Fat Hippy Records, releasing an EP and Mini-album (“Feather” and “So Called Love Stories…” respectively) to further acclaim amongst peers and professionals. These recordings ensured regular radio play on both Radio Scotland and Northsound Radio, and one track “Black Bones” even made it to the No.3 spot in the Australian Indie Radio Charts (Feb 2008).

“Beneath A Canvas Sky And A Cardboard Sea” (self-released) has seen the band taking even further strides into the public consciousness. One track, “Free Like The Sun” was chosen to feature in the cult Channel 4 series ‘Skins’ (series 3).

Her music also features on the soundtrack to the independent movie “Attack Of The Herbals”

Amy has shared stages with Alabama 3, Brakes, The Phantom Band, Dawn Of The Replicants, Eugene McGuiness, Ida Maria and even Girls Aloud (odd but true!), and hosting the main stage at Stonehaven’s new year celebrations.

Craig John Davidson

Craig John Davidson is well known within the Aberdeen music circles and has in the past self-released 3 albums:

Soaked In Harm (2008),
Curiosity (2009)
All In Song (2010).

Craig signed to Fat Hippy records with in January this year and released his fourth album, entitled ‘The Last Laugh’ on April 29.

“Davidson plays all of the sounds on the album apart from some strings on one song and it’s the rippling and intricate acoustic guitars which stand out from the off as Davidson wraps them in layers and swathes of sound” – Paul Kerr
http://paulkerr.wordpress.com/2013/04/27/craig-john-davidson-the-last-laugh-fat-hippy-records/

The night is also being put on by local events company seesaw events. For any further enquires please contact Ruth at seesawevents@live.co.uk or on 07858703467

Finding Albert,
Amy Sawers,
Craig John Davidson.

Downstairs @ The Malt Mill
Thurs 20th June
£5 Admission

New Music Venue Opens In Aberdeen – Fri May 3rd

Aberdeen City, News No Responses »

May 022013

With thanks to Ruth Sawers.

A new music venue, Downstairs is set to open in the Malt Mill on the 3rd May, with the emphasis on the provision of affordable music for everyone, while promoting up and coming local talent.

Downstairs is the brainchild of the Dunfermline pair, Gavin Bassett and David Mcghie, both having previously worked in the catering trade.

David’s background is in management with Belhaven while Gavin’s experience includes working in a rock bar and in gig promotion.

Determined to combine their individual strengths and step further into the promotion of up and coming talent, Aberdeen’s Malt Mill ended a countrywide search for the ideal space for the project.

Having Aberdeen connections, Gavin and David were aware of the thriving music scene and felt there was room for another venue where everyone could enjoy the talents of what Aberdeen has to offer the music world.

Bringing with them £6000 of equipment, including a brand new PA system and back line, the benefits to the local music scene is fantastic.

Add to this a desire for flexible working arrangements, Downstairs is set to become one of very few, readily equipped, city entertainment venues accessible to local bands, artists and promoters who want to organise, take responsibility for and run, their own events.

Downstairs aims to host live music of all genres plus live comedy and open mic nights, five nights a week – all for affordable entry fees.

Let’s hope Aberdeen welcomes and supports them.

For further information contact:

Ruth Sawers at seesawevents@live.co.uk or by telephone on 07858703467 or
Gavin Bassett at gdbars@gmail.com or by telephone on 07411511823

City Date For The Man They Call “Superlungs”

Aberdeen City, Featured, Gigs and Concerts No Responses »

Oct 042012

Rock and roll legend Terry Reid is appearing at Drummonds on Sunday 14th October. Joe Whimster writes.

Quality transcends generations. The celebrity endorsements Terry Reid has received from those at the cutting edge of Rock and Roll have continued for decades and confirm his enduring talent and position as one of the UK’s finest performers ever.

Famously, Jimmy Page identified him as his first choice to front Led Zeppelin and it was Terry himself who suggested Robert Plant as a suitable substitute.

Aretha Franklin was also a fan, stating in 1968 that,

“… there are only 3 things happening in England; The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Terry Reid.”

More recently, Jack White and his Raconteurs covered Terry’s Rich Kid Blues and DJ Shadow had Terry guest on the hauntingly beautiful Listen from his new Reconstructed album. The respect Terry receives from his peers and collaborators is tangible.

Despite this, fame and fortune has somehow eluded Terry, but this only enhances the intrigue. How could a man so immensely talented, a man so steeped in Rock history – from his breathtaking appearance at Glastonbury in 1970 to numerous film soundtracks, to albums filled with poignant beauty and heartfelt soul – be anything other than a household name?

Frankly, to anyone who has seen Terry perform, or listened to any of his tremendous back catalogue, it is one of life’s greatest mysteries.

Terry returns to Aberdeen for an intimate show at Drummonds this month. If you only make one show this year, it must be this one.

Terry Reid is truly a Rock and Roll legend and the opportunity to see talent of this magnitude does not come along often. Join him at Drummonds in Belmont Street on Sunday 14th October from 7:00pm.

What they say about Terry:

“Terry Reid is the rare living legend whose enthusiasm for music remains unscathed and pure, nearly 50 years on.” – DJ Shadow

“….The most soulful British vocalist ever..” – The Independent

“‘…Terry Reid’s voice has the power to provoke an intense reaction…” – The Times

“…Astonishing by any standards: spine tingles, hair prickles on back of the neck..” – The Independent

“…When Reid bares those emotions it’s heartbreakingly beautiful…” – The Guardian

“..this man should have had my life” – Robert Plant, The Joint ,Beverly Hills 2004

For further information please contact Joe Whimster at jwhimster@gmail.com

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Willows Open Day 18.02.12 – Top Musicians Support Charity

Aberdeenshire, Articles, Charity, Community, Events, Information, News No Responses »

Feb 032012

With thanks to Jenny and Kate at Willows

Willows Animal Sanctuary invite you to come along to an open day on 18 February from 12 noon to 4.00 pm.

Willows Patron Sandi Thom will arrive around 1pm, and autographed photos will be for sale with all profits going to Willows. Lush Aberdeen have generously donated a collection of treats to be raffled off.
There will be baked goods, ferrets and many more of the great variety of creatures that live at Willows will be on show – farm, domestic and wild animals are all given a shelter, and no healthy animal is ever put down.

In addition, legendary singer Paul Rodgers, founding member and songwriter from Free and Bad Company and member of The Firm; and his wife Cynthia sponsored 13 of Willows Animals for Christmas.

Paul said:-

“We heard the unusual story about the piglet Babe and her great escape and dug a little deeper to find that all of the animals were in need of sponsoring.”

Paul has also donated 100 copies of his latest DVD “Live in Montreux Paul Rodgers and Friends” featuring appearances from Queen’s Brian May, Journey’s Neal Schon, Jason Bonham and others.

Signed copies of Paul’s DVD are available at £25 from Willows online shop. Details of Willows at http://www.willowsanimals.com/ and DVD details/order form at http://shopatwillows.com/shop/catalog/search?shop_param , so even if you can’t make it to Willows on the 18th, you can still get a signed DVD.

Willows Animal Sanctuary is the largest sanctuary in Aberdeenshire and will try to help any animal in distress. We operate a strict no kill policy and only euthanise an animal on veterinary advice.

We look after over 300 animals including around 60 horses, ponies and donkeys, approximately 60 cats and dogs and many reptiles as well as over 100 farm animals and birds.

We are totally dependent on donations, legacies and grants from benevolent organizations to keep the sanctuary running.

We are entirely funded by public support and receive no government funding. Unlike larger charities we have no reserves of money and are desperately short of funds. We specialise in helping elderly or more vulnerable animals that have already been refused help by well known large national charities, but we can only continue to help needy animals with your support!

The Animal Assisted Therapy Unit at Willows

Willows helps many vulnerable people with its animal assisted therapy programme. The concept of allowing rescued animals to help vulnerable people on the road back to health is very innovative and has been independently evaluated and shown to be highly beneficial.The therapeutic placements and corporate team building days include equine management, animal husbandry, therapeutic music sessions, drama, bushcraft and mediaeval re-enactment Please contact us if you would like more details.

Willows Animal Sanctuary is situated on the road between New Pitsligo and Strichen (B9093)

Upcoming Events At Peacock

Aberdeen City, Articles, Community, Events, Featured, Gigs and Concerts, Information No Responses »

Feb 032012

With thanks to Kylie Roux.

YOUR LEANING NECK – SONG AS PORTRAIT – Steven Anderson

Based on an event from November last year at The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Your Leaning Neck is a performance project that aims to challenge institutional representations of national identity by giving voice to non-institutional values.

A silent video installation showcasing last November’s event from two perspectives will be shown in the Peacock gallery.

Saturday 18 February – Saturday 10 March

– Live Performance

Starting off at Peacock’s gallery then moving onto the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St Andrew, visitors will be treated to a live re-contextualisation of the performance event created as a site-specific response to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s collection of portraits from the Scottish Enlightenment. Within the performance, oral tradition singers are presented alongside contemporary artists who also use their unaccompanied voice as a means of expression.

Friday 24 February | 7 – 9pm | Peacock Visual Arts | FREE

GIG IN THE GALLERY – Martin John Henry

Recently praised by Sound-Scotland, as “one of Scotland’s finest songwriters”, Gargleblast Records and Peacock Visual Arts present Martin John Henry.

The Lanarkshire born singer songwriter is best known for fronting Scottish Rock Band De Rosa – critically lauded and championed by John Peel and Steve Lamaq – as well as writing, recording and playing with many of Scotland’s finest musicians including Barry Burns (Mogwai), Robert Johnston (Life Without Buildings), King Creosote and Malcolm Middleton.

Saturday 4 February | 8pm | £8 on the door

RESIDENCY/PERFORMANCE – ONE MAN UNIT – Paul Wiersbinski and Wieland Schönfelder

ONE MAN UNIT is a hybrid of man and sculpture. Through a variety of outputs, audiences are invited to interact with and experience the spontaneous and unexpected developments of this creative beast, as it evolves during the artists’ two-week residency at Peacock.
You can follow the construction of this half man half machine via their daily blog on Peacock’s Facebook page. The ONE MAN UNIT will then be let loose on the public on two occasions:

Saturday 28 January – Friday 10 February

– Note: Aberdeen Voice updates Peacock info periodically, but there may be recently added events not included in this post. Please contact Peacock direct for the latest information.

Peacock Visual Arts
21 Castle Street
Aberdeen
AB11 5BQ
Tel: 01224 639539
Mob: 07947 490626
e: kylie@peacockvisualarts.co.uk
Website: www.peacockvisualarts.com
Online Print Store: www.peacockvisualarts.culturelabel.com

From Newtyle With Style – Michael Marra Review

Aberdeen City, Articles, Community, Featured, Information, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 012011

Tayside troubadour Michael Marra performed at The Lemon Tree Cafe Bar on 24 November. Mike Gibb, local playwright and friend of Voice, was there, and here’s what he made of it.

There was a time, not so long ago, when Michael Marra was described as ‘Scotland’s best kept secret’.

Fortunately, that’s no longer the case as a packed Lemon Tree clearly displayed. It was obvious that the audience included a fair sprinkling of aficionados keen to listen, once again, to Marra’s unbeatable blend of music and humour.

You may know most of the stories but he delivers them with such warm, natural charm that you simply can’t help laughing along.

It was clear though, from the number who had to ‘rehearse’ the communal singing of Baps n Paste and Hermless, that there were many new faces there too. And after witnessing Marra’s masterful performance, they’ll be back next time Dundee’s finest export ventures north – even forgiving him for his jibes at Aiberdeen in I Don’t Like Methil and If Dundee Was Africa.

The two sets featured many of the finest moments from Michael’s vast and varied repertoire. Yet he began with an inspired rendition of Yip Harburg and Jay Gorney’s depression-era anthem Brother Can You Spare A Dime, very relevant given today’s economic turmoil. There followed a masterclass in songwriting – brilliant lyrics married to fascinating tunes, perfectly performed on piano and guitar with hilarious introductions populated by characters from Michael’s past, including The Bothy Cat, The Angry Cat, The Man With No Nickname and The Singing Moth.

Devotees’ favourites abounded. The wonderful unaccompanied tribute to Dundee drunks, Muggie Sha’, the imaginative linking of Mexican artist Frieda Kahlo with a less-salubrious Dundee drinking establishment in Freda Kahlo’s Visit To The Tay Bridge Bar and his tribute to a castrated and wayward cat, Pious Porteous.

Then he treated us to Farlow, The Lonesome Death of Francis Clarke, Bob Dylan’s Visit to Embra, Big Wide World Beyond The Seedlies, a hilarious testament to the perils of lonely hearts columns in He Said, She Said, and a new song, the ravishing Heaven’s Hound, inspired by the Mississippi travels of long-time Marra friends from Kintore.

Michael left the stage to a tumultuous, well-deserved and heartfelt ovation. His encore paid tribute to his own songwriter heroes Gerry Rafferty, in Mary Skeffington, and a poignant treatment of Hoagy Carmichael’s Rocking Chair, before he finally departed with the Marra anthem Hermless, to my mind the saddest comedy song I’ve heard in many a long day.

The audience could have stayed all night, so haste you back Michael. When he does return I’m sure all who attended will be there once again bringing friends with them.

Michael Marra is no longer Scotland’s best kept secret. He is one of Scotland’s greatest treasures.

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